Flinders Medical Centre

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:15): My question is to the Premier. Given the Premier won't answer the question on the net total number of beds at Flinders, is there any—

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: Point of order, sir.

Members interjecting:

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: There's a point of order, leader.

Mr MALINAUSKAS: Have you got a problem with questions?

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Leader, take your seat. There is a point of order. Minister—

Members interjecting:

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!

Mr Malinauskas interjecting:

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The leader is called to order.

The Hon. S.S. Marshall interjecting:

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, Premier!

Members interjecting:

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The leader is called to order and the member for West Torrens is warned for the first time.

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: Standing order 97 prevents a question starting with, 'Given that someone won't,' etc. It is out of order.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Standing order 97—and remember, everyone, that this is eating into your question time—states:

Such questions not to involve argument…

In putting any such question, a Member may not offer argument or opinion, nor may a Member…

So I uphold the point of order in the way you began to ask your question, leader; you offered opinion. Leader, you have the call.